Eliminate Paint Fumes From the House
If you've ever painted the interior of a house, you've probably noticed that the paint fumes give off a strong smell. This odor is caused by chemicals that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. These fumes don't just smell bad; they're bad for your health too. Even brief exposure to these vapors can cause irritation to the eyes, throat and lungs, as well as dizziness and headaches. To avoid these symptoms, keep the house aired out both during and after your painting session.
Instructions
1. Schedule the house painting for a time of the year when the weather will be warm and dry. Check the weather forecast continually for about a week before you begin painting. If it looks like the weather will be excessively hot or cold, or if rain is predicted, reschedule the painting for another time.
2. Select only indoor paints. For best results, choose a nontoxic paint that is low in or free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look on the can to see if the paint has been certified by Green Seal. Flat house paints with the Green Seal have been certified to contain no more than 50 g per liter of volatile organic compounds.
3. Open all the curtains, and raise all the blinds before you start painting. Open the windows and doors that lead outside. Place a box fan in one or more of the open windows. Turn on all ceiling fans in the house. Keep the windows and doors open while you are painting to help reduce the paint fumes.
4. Clean all your brushes, rollers and pans thoroughly after you finish painting. Wash latex paints using a bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Clean oil-based paints with paint thinner or mineral spirits. Seal the paint cans tightly. Remove all of your painting materials to a garage or work shed. This will prevent your painting materials from giving off additional fumes inside the house.
5. Leave the windows open as much as possible for 2 to 3 days. Do not close them unless you need to leave the house. If you do go out, reopen the windows and doors immediately upon returning home.
